Exclusive Track Premiere: ‘Through Emptiness,’ Corbu

Following two EPs, We are Sound (2013) and Everything You Imagine is Real (2014), the duo Corbu is preparing to release its debut full-length, Crayon Soul. Through an album infused with hazy and psychedelic elements as well as upbeat pop hooks, Corbu’s Jonathan Graves and his creative partner Amanda transport listeners to another realm. Here we are pleased to premiere the song “Through Emptiness.”

“In a lot of ways, ‘Through Emptiness’ feels like the heart of the album,” Graves says. “Crayon Soul comes out swinging for the first 10 minutes or so, then settles down into this song—it’s the first chance to catch your breath.”

For the album, Corbu worked with producer David Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Neon Indian, Tame Impala), but only after sending a fan letter illustrated with inspirational artwork and months of pleading. “It turns out that the letter is what swayed him to give us a chance,” Graves admits, “along with the music itself.” Additionally, sound engineer Abe Sieferth played an instrumental role in Crayon Soul‘s development. “We know what our strengths and weaknesses are and we’re learning how to own them. Working with Abe really helped with that,” Graves explains. “He was involved on a day-to-day basis, but removed enough to reflect things back to us from a new perspective.”

As a whole, Graves concedes, “The album we’ve made isn’t perfect, but it is exactly what we wanted to say. If you can do that, you’re left with a mirror of who you are in that moment. It shows you everything.”